Holiday Work Party

I've always been a skirt and dress kinda girl. Not necessarily fancy, but I especially find dresses to be an easy way to look put together and only have to worry about shoes to match instead of multiple pieces. Plus, if you add tights to the look, it works for all seasons!

Skirts are basically the same with just a tad more effort. In my wardrobe, that basically means tucking in a black or white top and calling it a day. I clearly spend a lot of time getting ready ;)

On Friday we had a celebratory Mass and Christmas luncheon for work. M and I had gone Christmas shopping the night before and I kept my eyes pealed for a potentially party outfit as we browsed, but I didn't see anything that caught my interest and decided to just work with something I had at home.

As I sifted through my winter clothes, which are still in a bin because much of it doesn't work with the new baby bump, I noticed the plaid skirt I wore last year for Christmas and decided to give it a try.

I had to wear it at my ribs instead of my hips, but it zipped! And it didn't look half bad with a plain black sweater I also had from before pregnancy! Adding my Blanqi leggings (I told you I wear them non-stop) and some black booties made it work appropriate and festive too!

I will say, stretchy skirts are a lot easier to work into maternity options (I don't see this skirt fitting past New Years lol). But it is fun going through the clothes that I have and seeing what new outfits I can create with as few new pieces as possible. (All pants and leggings are maternity at this point with the exception of one pair of jeans that I can still do the hair-tie trick with.)

Peace,
Sarah

PS - here's the skirt worn non-maternity for reference. This was only last year and we both look like babies!

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26 Weeks and Getting Ready for Christmas

 

I get weekly pregnancy updates emailed to me that usually include some reference to the size of a baby at each week and what symptoms might be included. Today it said something about week 26 being the last week of the second trimester! It also acknowledged that some consider week 27 the last, but either way you spin it, this baby is coming.

And while I am eager with anticipation to meet this little peanut (and find out if it's a boy or girl!), I am acutely aware that there are roughly a million things left to do to prepare for his or her arrival. Construction planned for the house has placed nursery nesting on hold as it will make some changes to that space. We have a solid name for a boy chosen and two first name options for a girl but can't decide on a middle name. And don't even get me started on choosing godparents. . . 

But even with our long to-do list and feelings of not being quite ready, I know that what needs to get done will and all the pieces will slowly fall into place. 

Are you ever really "ready", anyway?

  

Lately Christmas preparations and Advent practices have been at the front of my mind. I'm still trying to decide if I'm using them as a distraction from the speed at which this babe is growing. The intentionally slow pace of the Advent season doesn't seem to be slowing down my expanding belly and I'm still trying to fathom how it can possibly get any bigger. But with each kick and stretch this tiny person does inside of me, I am filled with awe and wonder and joyful hope.

Tis the season, I suppose.

Being pregnant this time of year naturally has me reflecting on Mary being pregnant with Jesus. (And how in the world she rode on a donkey while being that far along in her pregnancy. No thank you.) I'm working on a post to share some of that reflection and hope to have it ready soon. 

(It's about being pregnant during Advent, not riding a donkey.) 

Sweater | Skirt | Booties | Hair Clip | Bracelet | Rosary Bracelet

(Linking to similar items)

I'm still working on embracing this new body of mine and figuring out how to dress it outside of the leggings and sweatshirts I've been wearing around the house. For workdays, I've been trying to stay semi-stylish without breaking the bank in buying a whole new wardrobe. 

I have gotten a few pieces of maternity gear over these 26 weeks (my Blanqi leggings are probably my favorite), but I've also been able to adapt clothes that I already had hanging in my closet. Thank goodness for oversized sweaters and stretch skirts, amiright?

I bought this skirt over two years ago from the Loft outlet and wear it all the time. In the summer I add a tank or blouse and sandals and in the fall or winter tights, sweaters and booties make it work. It's near the top of my list for Christmas Mass options this year - partly because I don't have many options that fit and partly because I love it so much ;)

Do you know what you're wearing for Christmas yet? Any mamas out there with clever ideas for inexpensive maternity looks? I'm all ears.

Peace,

Sarah

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Floral Sundresses for Summer

Summer is here which means sunshine, gardens, and a whole lot of sundresses. There is nothing I love more than a good floral dress in the summer, so I thought I would round up a few I've been admiring and share them with you all!

You'll probably notice that the majority are longer in length which is partly to do with what's trending, partly to do with #tallgirlproblems, and mostly to do with maxi dresses being crazy comfortable.

Seriously though, it's like wearing pajamas.

Top Row

1  |  2  |  3  |  4  

Bottom Row

1  |  2  |  3  |  4  

I really can't get enough of all of the color combinations and flower types that have been popping up recently. You could easily style any of these dresses for a variety of occasions - from work, to a summer wedding, to a casual date. You really can't beat clothing items that are super versatile! I've linked a few more of my favorites below for some more inspiration. I'm especially fond of this sunflower-filled beauty.

How do you plan to style a floral sundress this summer?

Peace,

Sarah

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Loving Lavender

As you know from my last post, I'm mildly obsessed with lavender. And I know it will absolutely shock you all to hear that not only do I like the plant, but I am also quite fond of the color. (This is where you all gasp in disbelief.)

Row 1:   Tote  |  Scarf  |  Top

Row 2:   Skirt  |  Dress  |  Pants

Row 3:   Shoes  |  Sunglasses

Row 4:   Earrings  |  Socks  |  Bracelet  |  Lotion

All jokes aside, there are some really lovely pieces available in various shades of lavender and I thought it would be fun to share some here. I'm strongly considering the Anthropologie earrings and the eyelet top from J. Crew but am not quite sure how to make it work appropriate and cute... A cardigan maybe? We shall see.

Are there any color trends you are loving lately?

Peace,
Sarah

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